Police Procedures FAQs

In the event that campus facilities or a campus must be evacuated, the following general procedures should be followed:

Building Evacuation

All building evacuations will occur by an Eagle Alert notification, an alarm and/or upon notification by Campus Safety or University personnel. When the building evacuation alarm is activated during an emergency, leave by the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same. Resident Supervisors and Assistants are designated to assist disabled resident students during an emergency. If Resident Supervisors and Assistants are not available, others must assist persons with disabilities in exiting the building. Do not panic. Do not use the elevator in cases of fire and/or earthquake. Use stairway. Once outside, proceed to a clear area that is at least 500 feet away from the affected building. Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrant areas, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel. Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by a Faulkner University official. Important: After any evacuation, report to your designated area assembly point.

All campus evacuations will occur by an Eagle Alert notification, an alarm and/or upon notification by Campus Safety or University personnel. All persons (students, faculty, and staff) are to immediately vacate the site in question and relocate to another area or part of the campus grounds as directed.

Questions or suggestions regarding the procedures and response should be directed to Campus Safety at (334) 386-7250 or police@faulkner.edu.

Familiarize yourself with the locations of at least two exits in your area of the building. Know where the nearest fire alarm pull stations and fire extinguishers are located.

What To Do If You Discover A Fire

Exit the area immediately
Close all doors as you leave, taking keys and medications with you if possible. DO NOT delay evacuation to retrieve these items.
Activate the closest fire alarm pull station along your evacuation route.
If the building does not have a fire alarm system, and you discover smoke or fire, exit the building immediately. Alert others on your way out of the building to advise others. From a safe location call 911 to report the emergency. Be sure to give the name of the building and location of the fire.
Notify others as you leave.
Call 911 and report the emergency after you are out of the building and safe.
If the fire is small enough, you may attempt to extinguish it with a portable fire extinguisher, only if:
The fire alarm pull station has been activated
911 has been notified
You are properly trained
If leaving a room, feel the door with the back of your hand before opening it. Do not open any door that feels hot.
If smoke is present, stay low. The best quality air is near the floor.
Always use the stairs to exit upper floors.
Do not use the elevator.
Once the building is evacuated, do not re-enter it for any reason. Return to the building only when instructed to do so by emergency responders or administrators.
Do not return for personal belongings.
Direct and assist visitors and persons with disabilities who appear to need direction or assistance.
Notify Campus Safety at (334) 386-7250 that a fire has occurred after you exit the building.

If you are trapped and cannot evacuate:

Close any doors between you and the fire.
If available, wedge wet towels or cloth materials along the bottom of the door to keep out smoke.
Call 911 and notify the dispatcher of your location.
Remain on the phone with the 911 dispatcher as long as possible.
Break a window only as a last resort, such as needing oxygen to breathe.
Use caution when breaking any window.

Response to Fire Alarms:

If the alarm sounds and/ or emergency strobes begin to blink, evacuate immediately.
Never assume that a fire alarm is a false alarm.

Questions or suggestions regarding the procedures and response should be directed to Campus Safety at (334) 386-7250 or police@faulkner.edu.

If you feel that a spill may be hazardous, take the following actions immediately:

NEVER attempt to contain or clean up a hazardous material spill unless you are trained to do so.
Alert personnel in the vicinity and evacuate the area.
Close all doors and turn off air conditioners and heaters, if safe to do so.
Activate the fire alarm pull station as you exit the building.
Call 911 to report the spill when you reach a safe location.
Be prepared to provide the following information to the dispatcher:
Your name, location, and call back number
Identity of the spilled chemical (if known) and the amount spilled
Location of the spill (building, room number, etc.)
Known or suspected hazards associated with the spill
If personnel have been exposed to the spill, give details on the extent of exposure and any injuries or symptoms the victim(s) may be experiencing.
Remain at the location to meet responders when they arrive and warn others from entering the area.
If anyone had contact with the hazardous material, they should be isolated and await treatment by emergency personnel.
Do not re-enter the building until told to do so by emergency personnel.
Notify Campus Safety at (334) 386-7250 and the Center Director at extended campuses.

In addition, the following actions may be taken as appropriate:

Remove contaminated clothing.
Flush the affected area with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.
Provide first aid if necessary and you are trained to do so.

In the event that a medical emergency occurs on a Faulkner University campus requiring emergency medical services, the following general procedures should be followed:

Remain Calm
Call 911 and report the emergency. Request an ambulance be sent.
Send someone to meet the emergency medical services and rescue crews at the street or building entrance.
Do not move the person unless there is a threat to life to leave them in that location.
Provide as much information to the dispatcher regarding the illness/injury as possible (nature of injury, location of person, age of person, etc.).
If trained to administer first aid, such as bleeding control and CPR, do so.
Be sure to wear personal protective equipment. Be aware of hazards associated with blood-borne pathogens.
Do not come into contact with body fluids.
If exposed to suspected infectious materials, wash the exposed area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention.
Do not jeopardize your health or the health of the patient. Wait for professional help if you are not able to provide proper first aid and safety.
Remain with the party until help arrives.
Comfort the patient and reassure them that medical assistance is on the way.
If the medical emergency is related to an on-the-job injury contact the Human Resources Office at 334-386-7230 as soon as possible after the victim has been transported by the ambulance.
If the medical emergency is related to visitor injury/accident, notify Campus Safety at (334) 386-7250 or (334)-386-7508 and the Center Director at extended Campuses as soon as possible after the victim has been transported by the ambulance.
Questions or suggestions regarding the procedures and response on campus should be directed to Campus Safety at (334) 386-7250 or police@faulkner.edu.

Call 911 for assistance, follow general procedures and the following:
Contact the University Health Center during operating hours for additional instructions and assistance.
If the University Health Center is closed, contact the dorm or apartment supervisors for instructions.
Ask the dorm or apartment supervisor to contact the Dean of Students and Campus Safety

Montgomery Campus: Non-Residential Facilities

Call 911 for assistance, follow general procedures and the following:
Contact the University Health Center during operating hours for additional instructions and assistance.
If the University Health Center is closed, contact Campus Safety for additional instructions
Ask the Campus Safety to contact the Dean of Students

Birmingham Campus: Non-Residential Facilities

Call 911 for assistance, follow general procedures and the following:
Contact the Center Director for additional instructions and assistance.
After the emergency has been resolved, notify the University Health Center, Campus Safety, and Dean of Students

Huntsville Campus: Non-Residential Facilities

Call 911 for assistance, follow general procedures and the following:
Contact the Center Director for additional instructions and assistance.
After the emergency has been resolved, notify the University Health Center, Campus Safety, and Dean of Students

Mobile Campus: Non-Residential Facilities

Call 911 for assistance, follow general procedures and the following:
Contact the Center Director for additional instructions and assistance.
After the emergency has been resolved, notify the University Health Center, Campus Safety, and Dean of Students

Non-Life-threatening Illness or Injury

Montgomery Campus: Residential Facilities

Contact the University Health Center during operating hours for instructions and assistance.
If the University Health Center is closed, contact the dorm or apartment supervisors for instructions.
Ask the dorm or apartment supervisor to contact the Dean of Students and Campus Safety

Montgomery Campus: Non-Residential Facilities

Contact the University Health Center during operating hours for instructions.
If the University Health Center is closed, contact Campus Safety for instructions.
Ask the Campus Safety to contact the Dean of Students

Birmingham Campus: Non-Residential Facilities

Contact the University Health Center during operating hours for instructions.
Contact the Center Director for additional instructions and assistance.
If the University Health Center is closed, contact the Center Director for additional instructions and assistance.
After the situation has been resolved, notify the University Health Center, Campus Safety, and Dean of Students

Huntsville Campus: Non-Residential Facilities

Contact the University Health Center during operating hours for instructions.
Contact the Center Director for additional instructions and assistance.
If the University Health Center is closed, contact the Center Director for additional instructions and assistance.
After the situation has been resolved, notify the University Health Center, Campus Safety, and Dean of Students

Mobile Campus: Non-Residential Facilities

Contact the University Health Center during operating hours for instructions.
Contact the Center Director for additional instructions and assistance.
If the University Health Center is closed, contact the Center Director for additional instructions and assistance.
After the situation has been resolved, notify the University Health Center, Campus Safety, and Dean of Students
Questions or suggestions regarding the procedures and response should be directed to Campus Safety at (334) 386-7250 or police@faulkner.edu.

In the event that a mental health emergency occurs on a Faulkner campus, the following procedures should be followed:

If an individual is an immediate threat to their own safety or someone else’s, then call 911 for assistance. If an individual is exhibiting signs of mental or emotional distress, then during regular office hours (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.), contact the University Counseling Center at 334/386-7295 or 334/386-7275 and tell the person answering the phone that this is an emergency.
Students that feel they are emotionally or mentally distressed may contact the University Counseling Center (during regular office hours), a Residence Life staff member or one of the following crisis lines:

If a person enters or threatens to enter the building for the purpose of causing physical violence either to persons or property, then take the following actions:

Call 911 as soon as possible – explain to the dispatcher what is happening.
Be sure to give good directions to the dispatcher.
If safe, stay on the phone with the 911 dispatcher as long as possible.
Remove students and yourself from any danger, if possible.
Barricade yourself and students in a room away from the intruder.
If anyone becomes injured or needs medical attention, tell the 911 dispatcher.
Do not confront the intruder.
Do not leave your safe position until told to do so by police or emergency responders.
Notify Campus Safety at (334) 386-7250 and the Center Director at extended campuses.

Any injury or illness occurring on a Faulkner campus must be reported on the same day of occurrence. If the injury or illness occurs on a weekend or after hours, the report should be made the next business morning. Any injury or illness occurring on the Montgomery Campus must be reported to the University Health Center. Any injury or illness occurring at a center campus must be reported to the center’s director.

Emergency Procedures for Medical Emergencies

In the event that an emergency occurs on a Faulkner campus, the following procedures should be followed:

Life-threatening Illness or Injury

Montgomery Campus: Residential Facilities

Call 911 for assistance Contact the University Health Center during operating hours for additional instructions and assistance.
If the University Health Center is closed, contact the dorm or apartment supervisors for instructions.
Ask the dorm or apartment supervisor to contact the Dean of Students and Campus Safety.

Montgomery Campus: Non-Residential Facilities

Call 911 for assistance
Contact the University Health Center during operating hours for additional instructions and assistance.
If the University Health Center is closed, contact Campus Safety for additional instructions
Ask the Campus Safety to contact the Dean of Students

Birmingham Campus: Non-Residential Facilities

Call 911 for assistance
Contact the Center Director for additional instructions and assistance.
After the emergency has been resolved, notify the University Health Center, Campus Safety, and Dean of Students

Huntsville Campus: Non-Residential Facilities

Call 911 for assistance
Contact the Center Director for additional instructions and assistance.
After the emergency has been resolved, notify the University Health Center, Campus Safety, and Dean of Students

Mobile Campus: Non-Residential Facilities

Call 911 for assistance
Contact the Center Director for additional instructions and assistance.
After the emergency has been resolved, notify the University Health Center, Campus Safety, and Dean of Students.
Non-Life-threatening Illness or Injury

Montgomery Campus: Residential Facilities

Contact the University Health Center during operating hours for instructions and assistance.
If the University Health Center is closed, contact the dorm or apartment supervisors for instructions.
Ask the dorm or apartment supervisor to contact the Dean of Students and Campus Safety.

Montgomery Campus: Non-Residential Facilities

Contact the University Health Center during operating hours for instructions.
If the University Health Center is closed, contact Campus Safety for instructions.
Ask the Campus Safety to contact the Dean of Students

Birmingham Campus: Non-Residential Facilities

Contact the University Health Center during operating hours for instructions.
Contact the Center Director for additional instructions and assistance.
If the University Health Center is closed, contact the Center Director for additional instructions and assistance.
After the situation has been resolved, notify the University Health Center, Campus Safety, and Dean of Students.

Huntsville Campus: Non-Residential Facilities

Contact the University Health Center during operating hours for instructions.
Contact the Center Director for additional instructions and assistance.
If the University Health Center is closed, contact the Center Director for additional instructions and assistance.
After the situation has been resolved, notify the University Health Center, Campus Safety, and Dean of Students.

Mobile Campus: Non-Residential Facilities

Contact the University Health Center during operating hours for instructions.
Contact the Center Director for additional instructions and assistance.
If the University Health Center is closed, contact the Center Director for additional instructions and assistance.
After the situation has been resolved, notify the University Health Center, Campus Safety, and Dean of Students.

Shelter-in-place refers to the need to remain where you are for your own safety.

Employees and students generally cannot be forced to shelter-in-place; however, there are circumstances when university officials and emergency personnel will order that everyone must stay where they are for their own safety and well-being. You should consider how and where to shelter-in-place prior to having to perform this measure.

A shelter-in-place order may be issued for several reasons:

Severe weather
Hazardous materials
Intruder on campus
Hostage situation
Any situation where it is best for you to stay where you are to avoid an outside threat
The reason for the shelter-in-place order may not be immediately communicated to everyone.

If a shelter-in-place order is issued:

You should be alert for instructions and updates as they become available from the emergency personnel and university administrators.
If class is in session, if possible, do not allow any students to leave. If you are in other buildings such as dorms, have everyone remain there.
Keep everyone CALM.
Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.

Severe Weather

You should know where the shelter areas are in your building. If you do not, attempt to seek shelter in the basement or interior most portion of the building, avoiding windows and glass doors. For additional information, see severe weather section.

Intruder

Secure doors if possible and seek concealment (out of sight) away from doors and windows.
Turn the lights off and close any blinds or curtains. If you are not able to lock the door for any reason, attempt to barricade the door with furniture without endangering or injuring yourself.

All Clear

Remain in the shelter until told everything is all clear by emergency personnel. Do not leave until you are sure of the identity or source of the person making the announcement.

If you observe a suspicious object or potential bomb on a Faulkner campus or other property, then take the following actions:

Do not handle the object and clear the area immediately.
Notify Campus Safety at (334) 386-7250 and the Center Director at extended campuses.
Call 911 and report the object.

Bomb Threats

If you receive a bomb threat on a Faulkner campus or other property, then take the following actions:

Ask the caller
When is the bomb going to explode?
Where is the bomb located?
What kind of bomb is it?
What does it look like?
Why did you place the bomb?
Keep talking to the caller as long as possible.

Notify Campus Safety at (334) 386-7250 and the Center Director at extended campuses. Campus safety officers in conjunction with others will conduct a detailed bomb search. Employees are requested to make a cursory inspection of their area for suspicious object and to report the location to Campus Safety.

DO NOT TOUCH THE OBJECT(S)!
Do not open drawers, cabinets, or turn light on or off.
If an emergency exists, activate the building alarm.
CAUTION: THE BUILDING ALARM ONLY SOUNDS IN THE BUILDING WHERE ACTIVATED.
You must report the incident by phone.
When the building evacuation alarm is sounded or an emergency exists, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same. See Evacuation Procedures for more details. Resident Supervisors and Assistants are designated to assist disabled resident students during an emergency. If a Resident Supervisors and Assistants are not available, others must assist persons with disabilities in exiting the building. Do not panic. Do not use elevators. Once outside, move to a clear area at least 500 feet away from the affected building. Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews. If requested, assist emergency crews as necessary. DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless told to do so by an Emergency Resource Management Team official.

Important: After any evacuation, report to a designated area assembly point.

Bomb Threat Information

Calmly and clearly ask These Questions:

When is the bomb going to explode? (Specific Time)
Where is it right now? (Location)
What does it look like (Color, Shape, Size)?
What kind of bomb is it?
What will cause it to explode?
Did you place the bomb?
Why?
What is your address?
What is your name?
Exact Wording of Threat:
Sex of Caller:
Race:
Age:
Length of call:
Time:
Date:
Number at which call was received:
Caller’s demeanor

Many times, problems with the utilities will not be an emergency. To report a non-emergency utility problem on Faulkner’s Montgomery campus, call (334) 386-7280. Extended campuses should contact their Center Director to report a non-emergency utility issue. However, if it is an emergency, call 911 and notify Campus Safety at (334) 386-7250 and the Center Director at extended campuses. Under no circumstances are you supposed to turn utilities back on once they have been turned off (even if you are the one who turned it off). Leave that for the utility workers.

Gas Leak

If you smell gas or see a gas leak, leave the area and warn others as you leave.
Call 911 from a safe location. Tell the dispatcher where you are and what the emergency is.
Notify Campus Safety at (334) 386-7250 and the Center Director at extended campuses.
Do NOT attempt to correct the leak or problem unless you are qualified to do so.
Provide assistance to others in your immediate area who may be unfamiliar with the area or evacuation routes.
Remain outside until emergency personnel tell you it is safe to enter the building.

Power Lines

Call 911 to report the location of downed wires.
Notify Campus Safety at (334) 386-7250 and the Center Director at extended campuses.
Treat any downed wire as if it is energized.
Telephone or cable television wires that are touching a power line could become energized and should also be avoided.
Stay clear of areas where there is a lot of debris or downed trees, as they may conceal energized lines.

Non-Emergency Water Leak and Power Failure

Report non-emergency water leaks and power failures to National at (334) 386-7280 and notify Campus Safety at (334) 386-7250 and the Center Director at extended campuses.
Shut down and protect critical equipment, if safe to do so.
If you are in a dark area, proceed cautiously to an area that has emergency lights.

Strange Odors

If you detect a strange odor, take the following actions immediately:

Evacuate the immediate area.
Turn off all air conditioners and heaters when leaving, if it is safe to do so.
From a safe location, call (334) 386-7280 and report the odor and then notify Campus Safety at (334) 386-7250 and the Center Director at extended campuses. Be as specific as possible about the nature of the odor:
When was it first noticed?
Is it recognizable?
Is the cause known?
Remain outside until told it is safe to re-enter the building.
If additional assistance is needed, notify the proper departments.

If you believe that a student or other person is in possession of a weapon, then take the following actions:

Get away from that person.
Lock yourself in a secure area, if possible.
Notify Campus Safety at (334) 386-7250 and the Center Director at extended campuses.
If the person is threatening or menacing with the weapon call 911 and explain the problem in detail.
Remain on the phone with the 911 dispatcher as long as possible.
Remove students and yourself from any danger, if possible.
If you fear the person, barricade yourself and other students in a room away from the person.
If anyone becomes injured or needs medical attention, tell the 911 dispatcher.
Do not confront the armed person.
Remain in a safe area until told to leave by police or emergency responders.

Faulkner University has a weather alert system to receive information about approaching storms or weather events across the state of Alabama and beyond. Faulkner University maintains contact with local and state emergency management agencies as well as the National Weather Service.

Upon receipt of a severe weather watch or warning, Eagle Alert will be activated and send a notification message. The nature of the emergency will be given along with instructions on how to remain safe. The local emergency management agency may also activate the outdoor warning sirens. Local emergency management agencies also routinely test the outdoor sirens.

Tornado

During a tornado, remain calm and quickly follow the steps outlined below:

If Outdoors, move quickly away from buildings, utility poles, and other structures; Caution: Always avoid power or utility lines as they may be energized.

If in an automobile, stop in the safest place available, preferably under a viaduct or overpass, and away from power lines and trees. Stop as quickly as safety permits. Get out of the vehicle and get to the lowest area. (i.e. In a drainage ditch or culvert).

In the University residences, all residents are to follow the correct procedures. If you are on the 2nd or 3rd floor of any building, you are encouraged to go to the lowest floor. If you hear the weather siren, radio alerts, or receive an Eagle Alert take shelter immediately in designated shelter locations. Sirens mean that there is a Tornado Warning, and you should seek shelter immediately. If shelter is not available, move to the center and lowest point of your building. Stay away from windows and doors to prevent injury from glass or other flying objects. Cover your head with any heavy/bulky object to protect yourself. After the tornado is over, evaluate the situation and if emergency help is necessary, call 911 and Campus Safety at 7250. Damaged facilities should be reported to the 911 dispatcher. Provide them as much information as possible to respond to the emergency. Campus Safety and the Center Director at extended campuses should also be notified.

NOTE: Gas leaks and power failures create special hazards. If an emergency exists, activate the building alarm.

CAUTION: The building alarm only sounds in the building where activated. Also report the emergency by phone. When the building evacuation alarm is sounded, walk to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same. Resident Supervisors and Assistants are designated to assist disabled resident students during an emergency. If a Resident Supervisors and Assistants are not available, others must assist persons with disabilities in exiting the building. Do not panic. Use stairways. Once outside, move to a clear area at least 500 feet away from the affected building(s). Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
If requested, assist emergency crews as necessary. A Campus Emergency Command Post may be set up in the emergency site. Keep clear of the Command Post unless you have official business. DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless told to do so by an Emergency Resource Management Team Official.
IMPORTANT: After an evacuation, report to a designated area assembly point.

Thunderstorm and/or Lightning

Stay away from telephones, electrical appliances, and plumbing.
Stay away from windows and doors to prevent injury from glass or other flying objects.
If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck.
If outside, go to a safe shelter immediately.

Weather Emergency Definitions

Watch: Conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather in the Montgomery area. Everyone should closely monitor the situation in case it gets worse.

Warning: Severe weather has actually been observed, and there is an imminent threat to the area. Listen closely to instructions provided by weather radios/emergency officials.

Tornado: Violent destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud that progresses in a narrow path over the land. Frequently accompanied by winds, cloud-to-ground lightning, and heavy rain.

Questions or suggestions regarding the procedures and response should be directed to Campus Safety at (334) 386-7250 or police@faulkner.edu.